Former BCCI president IS Bindra passes away

January 26, 2026: Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away in New Delhi on Sunday at the age of 84. His death marks the end of one of the most influential careers in Indian cricket administration.

Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996. However, his impact on Indian cricket went far beyond this period. His strongest influence came through the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), where he served as president for an incredible 36 years, from 1978 to 2014, before stepping away from cricket administration.

One of Bindra’s biggest contributions was the development of the PCA Stadium in Mohali, which was later named after him. Under his leadership, the stadium became one of India’s top international cricket venues. It hosted several major matches, including the 2011 World Cup semi-final, where India defeated Pakistan in the presence of the Prime Ministers of both countries.

Bindra’s role in bringing the World Cup to the subcontinent

Along with former BCCI presidents NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, Inderjit Singh Bindra played a key role in bringing the 1987 World Cup to the Indian subcontinent. It was the first time the tournament was held outside England. This move changed the balance of power in world cricket.

Bindra helped weaken the strong control of the Western countries over the game. His efforts allowed Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to work together and host the tournament.

The BCCI mourns the passing of former BCCI President - Mr IS Bindra. 🙏

The Board's thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/boNAhwNSnL

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 25, 2026

Diplomatic efforts and a lasting legacy in world cricket

Former India team manager and senior BCCI official Amrit Mathur said Bindra also worked quietly behind the scenes during the build-up to the 1987 World Cup. When Australia and England raised security concerns due to rising India-Pakistan tensions in 1986, Bindra suggested that Pakistan’s military ruler at the time, Zia-ul-Haq, visit India to reduce tensions.

Despite having differences at times, Bindra later worked again with Jagmohan Dalmiya to ensure the 1996 World Cup was co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. A skilled administrator and diplomat, Bindra also served as principal advisor to Sharad Pawar during his time as ICC chairman.

After Dalmiya’s death in 2015, Bindra paid tribute to him and wrote, “Cricket fans around the world need to remember that the modern game and the way it is run today would have been very different without Jaggu.”

Inderjit Singh Bindra’s passing marks the loss of a major figure whose influence helped shape the global administration of cricket.